Browsing: Health

In a significant bid to boost Africa’s access to vital COVID-19 vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments, The African Union (AU) has entered into an agreement with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). The collaboration aims to strengthen the negotiation abilities of African nations and further expedite the implementation of vaccination plans across the continent. 

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is advocating for the creation of vaccine production hubs across Africa to ease the distribution of vaccines throughout the continent. The proposal surges amidst the realisation of a skewed spread of vaccines, particularly for low- and middle-income nations, despite the global efforts through the COVAX Facility.

Scientists working closely on new possible vaccines have escalated hopes about eradicating one of Africa’s most pressing health problems—malaria, a deadly disease causing several deaths annually, predominantly among children.

In a compelling address on World Cancer Day 2024, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, stated that approximately one-third of cancer cases in Africa can be prevented. Furthermore, she emphasized that an additional third can be fully cured if identified at an early stage and treated effectively.

In concatenating efforts to improve healthcare facilities in Africa, multiple non-governmental bodies have initiated an innovative developmental project with the support of international bodies.

The South African healthcare sector is facing unparalleled disruption amid a wave of violence and looting, culminating in the paralysis of crucial medical supply chains. The actions have precipitated considerable strain on transport routes and consequently impeded medicine deliveries to community pharmacies and health clinics.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced its plans to set up a technology transfer hub in South Africa aimed at enhancing local production of COVID-19 vaccines across the African continent. This move is a concerted strategy to address the stark dearth of vaccines in the region.

Renowned academics from the University of Cape Town (UCT), Dr. Sudesh Sivarasu and Dr. Tolu Oni, have been recognized with the illustrious Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship (CADF). The accolade was bestowed upon these esteemed researchers in acknowledgment of their significant contributions to healthcare research across Africa.

The American healthcare infrastructure is grappling with a glaring disparity, as African-American men are seen to be dramatically more affected by prostate cancer compared to their white counterparts. This discrepancy, presenting both a medical and societal challenge, entails a comprehensive examination and swift action to overturn this worrying trend.